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George Cheers On Mum At Trooping The Colour

The Duchess of Cambridge has made her first public appearance since leaving hospital after the birth of Princess Charlotte - as the Queen celebrated her official birthday with the pomp and pageantry of the Trooping the Colour ceremony.

Kate joined other members of the Royal Family as the monarch inspected 1,100 soldiers of the Household Division at Horse Guards Parade in central London.

Prince George joined his parents on the balcony of Buckingham Palace where the royals gathered to wave to the crowds in The Mall and to watch the traditional RAF fly-past.

The toddler was held by the Duke of Cambridge and waved to the crowd below in what was his second public appearance.

The one-year-old looked up as the aircraft roared past to conclude the ceremony.

A total of 31 aircraft, including Spitfires, Hurricanes, Typhoon fighter jets and the Red Arrows, were due to take part, but the majority were grounded due to bad weather.

In the end, nine Red Arrows, one Sea King helicopter, two Chinook helicopters and one Puma 2 helicopter featured.

Earlier, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh travelled in an Ascot Landau vintage carriage from Buckingham Palace, along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, where the Trooping the Colour parade was held.

Kate, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry travelled in another coach.

The Prince of Wales, who is Colonel of the Welsh Guards, the Princess Royal, Colonel of the Blues and Royals, and William, Colonel of the Irish Guards, arrived there on horseback.

The Duke of York rode with his daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and the Duke of Kent and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester travelled in the last carriage.

There was no sign of Princess Charlotte, although guests included Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha.

The procession was accompanied by a Sovereign's Escort of the Household Cavalry, comprised of Life Guards and Blues and Royals, in their silver and gold breastplates and plumed helmets.

The Colour paraded at this year's event was the flag of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards.

The Prince of Wales Company, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards trooped the Queen's Colour presented to them by the monarch at Windsor Castle earlier this year.

The battalion last Trooped the Colour two years ago and did so again this year to mark their centenary.

Four of the five Foot Guards regiments of the Household Division - the Welsh Guards, Grenadier Guards, Scots Guards and the Coldstream Guards - marched wearing bearskin hats and red tunics.

The Household Division Bands and Corps of Drums also took part.

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, who also participated in the parade, fired a 41-gun salute in Green Park after the ceremony.

Trooping the Colour originated from preparations for battle - colours, or flags, were carried down the rank, so that soldiers could recognise them.

Guards from the royal palace assembled daily on Horse Guards to "troop the colours" in the 18th century, and in 1748 it was announced the parade would also mark the monarch's official birthday.

The Queen's actual birthday was 21 April, when she turned 89.

Her official birthday is always celebrated on the second Saturday of June when the weather is considered to be more predictable.